Altman campaigned on his environmental record, specifically efforts to restrict coastal building, reducing densities on beaches, creating no-wake zones for boats in manatee habitats, and a countywide growth management plan.

Washburn attacked Altman for "irresponsibly" squandering the county's $18 million reserve fund, noting, "They've mishandled the financial situation.

"[7] The Orlando Sentinel endorsed Altman for re-election, citing his "strong pro-environment reputation," though noting that "he must be more decisive in his second term and get [Brevard County] to make some real progress in coping with growth and becoming [financially] solvent.

[14] In 2000, following the inability of State Representative Bill Posey to seek re-election due to term limits, Altman ran to succeed him in the 32nd District, which stretched from Orlando to Vero Beach in Brevard, Indian River, and Orange Counties.

Altman faced a crowded Republican primary, and was opposed by Ritch Workman, Joe Steckler, Palm Bay Mayor Ed Geier, Eric Boritzki, and Jerry M. Abrams.

"[18] He won the primary by a wide margin, winning 41% of the vote to Workman's 29%, Steckler's 18%, and Geier's 12%,[19] and advanced to the general election, where he faced only Libertarian candidate Bruce Wechsler.

Altman won the Republican primary uncontested, and faced Kendall Moore, a former Rockledge City Councilman and the Democratic nominee, in the general election.

"[24] The Sentinel endorsed Altman, praising him as "a knowledgeable and diligent lawmaker" with a "smart approach," noting that while Moore was "articulate on problems facing the district and the state," he was "vague on how to address them.

Both candidates agreed on the importance of keeping NASA jobs in the district at Kennedy Space Center, though Altman argued that, as a member of the Republican majority, he was more effective than Edmonds could be.

The editorial board of Treasure Coast Newspapers endorsed him for his next term in the Senate, noting that Fallo appeared to be a candidate fronted by the Florida Democratic Party, which paid his filing fee, so that Altman would be opposed for re-election.

Altman condemned the attacks as "outrageous" and "blatant, flat-out lies," noting that he was endorsed by the National Rifle Association of America.

However, following litigation over the state's Senate maps, new districts were put in place for the 2016 elections, which meant that Altman's term was up two years earlier than initially thought.